Without meaning to offend, this new Jeep Liberty engine option brings to mind the old FYI heading. In an era when most compression-ignition engines are practically as smooth and quiet as their gasoline equivalents, the Liberty’s 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four transports us back to a simpler time when superior fuel economy could make us overlook flaws like the cacophony that came with any oil burner. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a Mercedes diesel cab in Stuttgart, circa 1985, when you start the Liberty’s engine. Dieter, there’s a lot of clatter going on here.
Who makes the diesel engine for the Jeep Liberty?
The engine, which has four cylinders and a displacement of 2,768 cubic centimeters, is built in Italy by VM Motori, which is partly owned by Detroit Diesel. The 2.8L is equipped with a sophisticated common rail direct injection fuel system, which Jeep claims is more efficient than pre-chamber indirect injection. The injection mechanism necessitates gasoline delivery pressures over 70% greater than those available from standard distributor pumps. A cog belt off the camshaft drives the pump, which delivers fuel at close to 24,000 psi. In order to fulfill their duty, the injectors on the new CRD Diesels must be constructed to even higher precision standards, allowing for more thorough fuel combustion. As a result, there is significantly less smoke, improved mileage, and more power.
When was the last time a Jeep Liberty had a diesel engine?
When did Jeep produce a diesel Liberty? In 2005, the Jeep Liberty began production with 2.8 VM Motori CRD diesel engines for the North American market.
In a 2005 Jeep Liberty, what diesel engine is installed?
When news of another diesel-powered car on the horizon arrives, it’s difficult not to claw at the phantom scabs. Will it be old schoolloud, slow, and stinkyor will it be fresh and improved, smashing stereotypes?
The 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel falls somewhere in the middle, with the balance of the scales tilting toward new and improved. The Liberty is powered by a 2.8-liter turbo common-rail diesel engine that produces 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque at 1800 rpm. Only 5000 diesel-powered Liberty models are expected to be produced in the United States (Europe has its own variant, which is slower and louder), but that number might rise if enough Jeepers take to the new power.
This diesel engine is a modified version of the European four-banger designed to satisfy the needs of the United States (and fuel availability). The majority of people will be concerned about the truck’s basic dynamics. At idle, engine noise (not quite the marbles-in-a-coffee-can rattle) is audible, but it fades as you accelerate. It’s not difficult to motivate the Liberty diesel, though there is some apparent lag as the turbo finds its legs. The verdict is that you have a diesel.
It’s neither too loud nor too slow (or stinky), which confirms our Liberty diesel’s “in-between” approach. While the average driver would probably adapt to its personality quickly, those who seek out a diesel appreciate its uniqueness. With a 5000-pound towing capacity, the Liberty is a more than capable midsize SUV.
Then there’s the whole issue of fuel economy. The diesel is predicted to get 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the 3.7-liter V6. Those figures build up to savings, just like the man who stopped to pick up pennies on the side of the road.
The diesel engine will be offered in 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited Edition and Sport models, joining a refreshed Jeep Liberty lineup that has remained reasonably priced. The diesel engine option raises the price by over $8,000 ($8,000!). To make the fuel-efficiency route worthwhile, you’ll have to find a lot of pennies.
Is the Jeep 2.8 CRD equipped with a Mercedes-Benz engine?
In city driving, torque is more important than horsepower. Many of our test drivers thought the four-cylinder diesel Jeep Liberty was faster than the 3.7-liter V6 gasoline counterpart. When you dial up 295 lb-ft of torque at only 1800 rpm, the Liberty CRD (common-rail diesel) seems powerful. So we timed one dash to 60 mph by hand, and it took just a few seconds longer than our instrumented test of a 3.7-liter gasoline vehicle.
Off-roading lovers may prefer that grunt over the 3.7-liter’s 210-hp peak, which is a 50-hp edge over the diesel. However, at 4000 rpm, the V6 only offers 235 lb-ft of torque.
VM Motori, a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary industrial engine supplier in Italy, produces Jeep’s 2.8-liter turbodiesel four. The Liberty diesel isn’t as refined and quiet as those found in Mercedes automobiles, but it’s quieter than the huge truck diesels used in Detroit pickup trucks and the Hummer H1. The unmistakable diesel clatter can be heard largely during start-up, idle, and other low-rpm conditions; once you’re up to speed, you won’t notice.
As a result, there will be less carbon dioxide in the air, a benefit in terms of global warming countered by an increase in particulate pollution. Diesel efficiency also means less fuel is imported from countries that aren’t particularly supportive to American interests.
What’s the drawback? “Tell us again what’s so green and healthy about the diesel lifestyle?” we wondered as we stood on oily gas station sidewalk, donning rubber gloves before daring to touch the diesel-fuel nozzle (aka the oozy gun). Other test drivers, on the other hand, discovered clean, user-friendly diesel providers. Nonetheless, one advantage of the CRD is that it allows you to bypass both dirty and clean gas stations. Jeep claims a 450-mile driving range for the Liberty, which we can attest to.
At biodiesel stations, there is a way to minimize petroleum consumption even more. Biodiesel is a combination of petroleum diesel fuel and up to 20% vegetable oil from farm waste. Diesel is the same price as 89- to 93-octane gas (mid-grade to premium) in Detroit, and B20 (20 percent veggie) biodiesel is the most expensive.
Can fuel economy compensate for a $2,300 higher MSRP than the Liberty Limited 3.7? Over the course of a five-year loan, you’d have to drive a lot of miles to make up $2,300 plus interest. Diesel has a lower tax rate in Europe than gasoline, therefore the math favors it. In America, this is not the case.
If we were simply concerned with saving money and fuel, we’d opt for the Liberty’s base 2.4-liter 150-hp gasoline four-cylinder, which gets 21/24 mpg and has a range of more than 400 miles. It only loses up 10 horsepower to the diesel, but only 165 lb-ft of torque. However, the base vehicle is 300 pounds lighter and comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which helps to compensate for the performance loss. There is no upmarket Limited trim, and the towing capability is only 2000 pounds, compared to 5000 for the CRD.
So, what are you willing to give up for national security or the environment, and is diesel truly the best option?
What is a CRD diesel engine, and how does it work?
CRD engines are turbocharged diesel engines with direct fuel injection found in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. They’ve been around since 2000. VM Motori, Fiat Powertrain, Volkswagen AG, and Daimler AG are the manufacturers of these powertrains.
What are the issues with Jeep Libertys?
Fluid leaks have been observed from various 2002-2012 Jeep Libertys, allegedly caused by a damaged differential pinion seal or transfer case. These leaks can cause bearing failure, resulting in severe vehicle vibration as well as whining or grinding noises.
What was the reason for Jeep’s decision to stop producing the Liberty?
For the 2008 model year, the Jeep Liberty was completely redesigned and sold alongside the Dodge Nitro, a very related vehicle. At the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the 2008 Liberty made its dbut.
The Liberty’s four-cylinder engine was abandoned in favor of the smaller Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs, which cater to budget-conscious shoppers. For 2008, the iron-block, aluminum-head V6 was the only option. 5,000 pounds of towing capacity (2,268 kg). The Liberty CRD was withdrawn from the American market because it failed to meet the stricter 2007 emissions regulations for diesel engines. The transmission options remained the same: a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Electronic stability control with roll reduction, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist were all standard. On the “Jet” model, Jeep provided a unique 2WD version. Standard side airbags were among the new features. Rain-sensing wipers, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and the MyGig entertainment system with a 30GB hard drive are all available options.
When did Jeep cease production of the Liberty?
WHEN DID THE JEEP LIBERTY STOP BEING MADE? In 2012, the Jeep Liberty was phased out. WHAT JEEP BRAND SUV MOST REMINISCENT OF THE LIBERTY? The Jeep Cherokee, a powerful and comfortable midsize SUV, took the place of the Jeep Liberty.